DPI - Local Media Monitoring

Media Analysis 17 September 2003

EU, US and Contact Group mediators in meeting chaired by SRSG (Koha Ditore)
Shala: Slowly and clumsily (Zëri)
Editorial: Platform (Kosova Sot)
BDI leader Ali Ahmeti meets western diplomats (Koha Ditore)
New war is going to divide Macedonia (Epoka e Re)
Rexhepi: Chernobyl comes to Kosovo (Koha Ditore)
Profiles of new enterprises in privatization process (Koha Ditore)
'Kosova Airline' contract signed yesterday (all dailies)
Will EFC remove customs duties on wheat? (Koha Ditore)
Hysa: The departure of the diplomat with the bicycle (Koha Ditore)

EU, US and Contact Group mediators in meeting chaired by SRSG (Koha Ditore)
Koha Ditore carries details from the international plan for upcoming talks between Kosovar and Serbian representatives entitled, Proposal for direct talks between Belgrade and Prishtina. The paper claims that the proposal was only handed over to Serbia and Montenegro. On Tuesday, Quint offices in Prishtina were aware of the plan. On the other hand, Kosovar leaders had no knowledge of such a plan.

Koha Ditore added that according to the plan, US, EU and Contact Group will be mediators in the dialogue; either Brussels or Vienna will be the location of the first meeting; the SRSG will chair the meetings; and the three leaders of the main political parties of Kosovo, leaders of institutions and a representative of Kosovo Serbs should be members of the Kosovar delegation. The first meeting would be held soon after the meeting of the Contact Group, which will be held in New York on 23 September.

According to this project, the participants in the initial meeting of the dialogue between Belgrade and Prishtina would be the UNMIK/PISG delegation and the delegation of Serbia and Montenegro/the Republic of Serbia.

The project envisages that negotiations will include topics according to the agenda that was announced at the Thessaloniki summit. Cooperation in the field of energy, traffic and communications, returns and cooperation on the issue of missing persons are the topics of the other meetings that will come after the initial meeting. According to the project, the list of topics could be expanded by mutual agreement of the two parties. Afterwards, four working groups would work in accordance with the project. The Prishtina delegation would include UNMIK representatives and representatives from the majority and minority communities. Each working group would be led by an UNMIK representative, while the EU and the Contact Group will appoint the mediators. The project says that these working groups would meet in Prishtina and in Belgrade.

'Bearing in mind the clear willingness voiced by Kosovo and Serbia and Montenegro/The Republic of Serbia at the Thessaloniki summit for the start of direct talks between Prishtina and Belgrade on practical issues of mutual interest, I want to call on parties in the initial meeting for the start of dialogue,' says the first point of the project.

The second point said such dialogue would include the practical needs of the people, both in Kosovo and in Serbia and Montenegro/The Republic of Serbia, 'with the aim of replacing confrontation between Prishtina and Belgrade on issues related to the political status with talks on technical issues'.

'This could serve to build trust and would serve to prepare both parties for sophisticated talks,' said the third point of the project.

According to point three, the initial meeting could be organized at a high political level, with the participation of political and institutional leaders and the mediators.

'The initial meeting would launch dialogue and would serve to lay the procedural framework for sustainable talks; the daily agenda, the level of representation; the place (places) and time of regular meetings; the format, etc.

'The initial meeting would be followed by sustainable talks on technical issues of mutual interest at the expert level,' said point four of the proposal.

At the end of the letter, it is stated that the implementation of this initiative requires the harmonization of international commitment.

In closing, Koha Ditore noted that in the first days when he arrived in Kosovo chief administrator, Harri Holkeri said that he would make public his proposals for dialogue by mid-September.

Shala: Slowly and clumsily (Zëri)
Zëri editor Blerim Shala claims that 'slowly and clumsily' would be the best description of Kosovar officials' reactions to the latest developments surrounding dialogue with Belgrade.

It seems that they don't even have accurate information on the ongoing preparations. They are waiting for another meeting with UNMIK chief Harri Holkeri, who on Friday night will seek the approval of five leading Kosovar politicians for the start of talks. In the meantime, these leaders will be informed by the media on what are going to be the topics of these talks, or who will head the Belgrade delegation. If it is true that Covic will head the Serbian delegation, then it can be said that the chances for the beginning of dialogue are quite modest. This is not about Covic's confronting character and his constant provocations vis-à-vis Kosovar politicians. The problem is that he has two functions: as Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and as head of the Coordination Center for Kosovo. In this case, Belgrade could interpret dialogue in various ways, by emphasizing Covic's second mandate. Furthermore, we don't believe that there is a serious western diplomat who believes that Prime Minister Rexhepi and other Kosovar officials will sit across the table from Covic. This can't be imagined. In that case, Kosovars would find the level that would match Covic.

However, precisely because of these games, which are now being made public, the Kosovar leadership must be much more active in preparing its position for the talks. Maybe we are wrong, but it isn't apparent that our leading politicians have realized what a challenge dialogue with Serbia is for them and for Kosovo.

Editorial: Platform (Kosova Sot)
Kosova Sot commented the lack of a platform by Kosovars before the dialogue with Serbia and Montenegro.

Tomorrow's Kosovo Assembly session will prove the absence of a local platform before talks with Serbia and Montenegro. Fed up with pathetic statements, monotonous reactions and skeptical positions about the future of this process, Kosovar deputies will awake on Thursday without a clear picture about the dialogue between Serbs and Albanians. Some of them are now already busy with the electoral fevers of the next elections, others are inattentive because of their parties' interests, while the minority is determined to declare things that we want but nobody will recognize currently. This is general picture of what could happen at the next assembly session. Since the dialogue that is expected to happen as soon as possible, several weeks have passed and Kosovars are still without a strategy. Therefore, we can conclude that we could loose this historic opportunity because of our own fault. Being still unprepared (this is denied by parties leaders), dialogue that will begin one day under pressure of the international community could place us in an awkward situation. In order to avoid the events that it is believed may follow these talks, the assembly should find a common position as soon as possible, and approve the Kosovar platform by creating an expert commission and political council, which will lead and supervise talks as well. Appearance and continuation of skepticism regarding the dialogue will damage first our society that is waiting to overcome the status quo and for Kosovo's independence to be achieved. Tomorrow the deputies should put pressure on decision-making circles at the assembly in order for the session to produce concrete results and at least to draw up a framework for our strategy and to name institutions that will lead Kosovo in these talks. Tomorrow is late, but better late than never.

BDI leader Ali Ahmeti meets western diplomats (Koha Ditore)
Koha Ditore reported that in efforts to accelerate the implementation of the Ohrid Agreement, Ali Ahmeti, the leader of the Democratic Union for Integration (BDI) met yesterday with the EU Special Envoy to Macedonia Alexis Burns, NATO Ambassador Nicolas Bigman, US Deputy Ambassador Eleonora Neggi and OSCE representatives.

The main topic of the three-hour meeting was a faster implementation of the Ohrid Agreement by accelerating processes and reforms related to this document.

Citing reliable sources, Koha Ditore reported that the conclusion of the meeting was that essential reforms in the Macedonian police and army and respect for the thorough implementation of the Amnesty Law for former NLA fighters were needed in order to avoid situations of conflict.

Ahmeti also voiced the urgent need to reorganize the justice system in Macedonia because party judges appointed by VMRO-DPMNE are still at work and they are impeding the peace process, and with their arbitrary decisions are indirectly posing the risk of new crisis.

The paper also added that Burns and Bigman voiced their optimism regarding the full implementation of the Ohrid Agreement and the return of security and stability in the country. 'This was a very productive exchange of opinions between international community representatives and the BDI. We talked about the implementation of the Ohrid Agreement, which is in the interest of all parties, the latest political events and the security situation in the country. The EU stands behind the agreement and it is going to assist in its implementation,' said Burns.

New war is going to divide Macedonia (Epoka e Re)
Epoka e Re carried an interview with Commander Enver Hoxha of the National Liberation Army (NLA) in neighboring Macedonia. 'The violation of the Ohrid Agreement and the persecutions of former soldiers in Kosovo, Macedonia and Eastern Kosovo are bringing in hundreds of former soldiers of the three former Albanian liberation armies [KLA/UÇK in Kosovo, NLA/UÇK in Macedonia and UÇPMB in Presevo Valley]. The new war is definitively going to divide Macedonia. This state is standing on ice,' said Commander Hoxha.
Where are you from, Commander Hoxha?
I am from the ethnic Albania. I am sworn to the blood of our martyrs, I have sworn that I am ready to sacrifice my life wherever the need of my nation arises. But let no one forget: there are thousands just like me in these mountains and villages, in all cities, Skopje, Tetovo, Dibar, Gostivar…

You said that you have thousands of soldiers?
No, for the time being we have hundreds of professional soldiers. We don't need many soldiers to fight a government that murders civilians, but what we need is for the current number of soldiers to be professional.

Are you the number one officer of this army?
No, absolutely not. There is no number one or two in our army, but there is hierarchy and firm military discipline and we all respect this. We have fought three wars in the last six or seven years. Some of us even fought against Serbs in Croatia and Bosnia. The National Liberation Army is a national army, it belongs neither to Kosovo, Eastern Kosovo or Macedonia, it belongs to everyone and the people respect us a lot and we have voiced our willingness to give our lives for this people and the national ideals which are no different from those of other people in the region: we want to live in freedom and united, without damaging anyone, and in our native lands. Certainly the NLA, after the Ohrid Agreement, is the most disciplined liberation army of our people, because it has been six or seven years now that we have been fighting wars in our lands and this is a major experience… Many of these boys that you see around you have fought in the three wars and lost many friends. As long as our nation is divided, they will not take off their uniforms.

What if Albanian members of the multiethnic police, who just yesterday were your fellow combatants, are involved in the offensive against the NLA?
We have thought about this very often. This is very difficult and very unpleasant. But if such people are involved in the enemy camp, we are going to shoot to kill. It is not good for them to participate in the offensives against us, although our tactics in the future will not allow another spring of 2001. We have planned to perfection our guerilla tactics until [next] spring, and now we will see how the Macedonian government will act.

What is your comment on the position of the Albanian party in power, the BDI, and your former political leader Ali Ahmeti?
They are all our fellow combatants from the wars in our lands. They have our utmost respect for their sacrifices…but, if this government kills civilians one more time, we will consider our friends as partly responsible, although they have nothing to do with this. They know what we swore together. Ali Ahmeti must be very careful in the next couple of months.

What future lies ahead for Albanians with the weapons that you are wearing on your shoulders, while in the meantime Robertson and Solana are sending harsh messages to your address?
Not everything depends on the Albanians and statements made by Robertson and Solana. It also depends on the Macedonians. But while they are making plans for war and killing innocent civilians in their sleep, we say that we are going to be ready. If the government doesn't change the current perspective, there is going to be heavy fighting in the near future. Whereas, Robertson and Solana, as friends of Kosovo at its most difficult times, must realize that the reasons for war must first end. We launched and ended three wars based on agreements, but the defects weren't repaired, while we who fought were persecuted and arrested. The Albanian nation continues to live in several countries with many divisions. Our only salvation is a righteous solution for the Albanian national cause, be it even with politics and without war, why not? Our war friends who are today involved in politics in Kosovo and in Macedonia must think carefully about what they do in politics once the wars are over and what could be the result of their politics. They must work for the long-term solution of the national issue and not pretend as if world politics goes on around them.

What does Commander Enver Hoxha think about politics in Prishtina?
The gentlemen in Prishtina are not even meeting among themselves and they claim to be ready for dialogue with Belgrade. This has no meaning. Those talks aren't going to produce the expected results anyway, because Serbia owes a lot of blood to Kosovo, and given the opportunity, it will act even more harshly toward Kosovo. I am surprised at how fast is Serbia accepted as a possible factor of peace, whereas the leaders in Prishtina are scared to death. I hope I am wrong, but they need to come to their senses once and for all and see what they could have achieved. We, the leaders of war, have hoped for much more… Kosovo needs a new political generation, as they are calling it there 'a new political class', that would not only make declarations for and against independence, but who would actually be capable of implementing independence. Their failures are making us stick to arms all our lives. Look at Kosovo: according to the latest reports, the people have not even handed over 10 hunting rifles in the amnesty month. Why? Because the people are not stupid; they don't feel safe and they still believe that there can be war again, and, therefore, they are careful.

If the Macedonian Government really does implement plans for war, and thus ignores the Ohrid Agreement, there is going to be war and it will divide Macedonia. We, the National Liberation Army, are ready, and we will make further preparations in case the civilian population is in danger. We are expecting heavy fighting in the spring, according to the latest information we have received from our sources within the Macedonian security forces.

Rexhepi: Chernobyl comes to Kosovo (Koha Ditore)
Koha Ditore commented on the uncontrolled goods that are flooding into Kosovo and the necessity of getting the issue of pollution under control.

Environment is an overused word and it appears like inflation. Everybody uses this word, depending on the need. Even more, it is used to refer to practical needs. For example, to build various premises, industrial and residential. Again, it is the same environment but it is ruined one.

However, there is a dangerous risk to the environment from the quality of the goods that enter Kosovo. In Koha Ditore's Economy annex today, you will read a worrying story about the iron that comes from Ukraine, which is suspected of containing radiation. The Montenegrin authorities at Tivar Harbor noticed this risk and they must have been happy that thousands of tons of that iron left Montenegro and went to Kosovo.

It is suspicious that this dangerous material had no escort and special transport. The problem is not with this issue alone. It is enough that we in Kosovo have doubts. However, nobody can remove our fears and doubts. Neither institutions nor services of the ministries, customs services nor military and police structures that operate in Kosovo. There are no measures, radiation levels are unknown, and it is unknown how much the population's health is at risk and how long we have been exposed to radiation.

It is something horrific. However, we should console ourselves: this may not have happened. Again we should say perhaps, because nobody could say whether our doubts are correct or not.

Somebody should have the obligation to protect this population from the wild atrocities and uncontrolled market and not just from the 'smell' that Chernobyl brings to Kosovo.

There are a lot of cases that we should be worried about. Salt in the market is without iodine, farmers are provided with bad seeds, wheat is imported without proper ingredients, cigars have no control banderoles, fuel has water in it, water comes with 'defects' in it…etc.

The environment is being destroyed together with the health of the people. Nobody is safe.

Let start from a simple problem. Let's say that none of the local authorities are concerned about the pollution over the towns, nor for the fences erected by each of the ministries in the middle of Prishtina for which they did not even ask permission of the municipality. Pickets that prohibit parking and 'protect pedestrians' are also unacceptable. All these things harm the town's image, regardless of whether the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning spent all summer planting flowers. It would be good if such things were more widespread.

However, the best thing would be if such thing were regulated by law. And even given draconian punishments in order to protect the environment and public health.

Somebody could find solution by destroying everything that harms the town and the humanity in it. But how would you prevent dangers that come from all over the world, starting from Chernobyl. Again, I believe, by law, controls and strong criteria. In this way we should prevent every kind of danger from being transported, even by taking away the work permit of somebody that breaks the rules.

To import dangerous items and for nobody to take responsibility is really 'nonsense'. We should recall that the world is very sensitive to these materials. It softly destroys every generation.

The way that Kosovo is protecting itself from such dangers, it is true that one day our country will be a garbage dump for radioactive materials. Furthermore, this could happen and we would not know it.

Nobody protects us from such materials, or even warns us about what is happening within our environment, which is being destroyed every day.

Profiles of new enterprises in privatization process (Koha Ditore)
Koha Ditore carried a report about new enterprises that will enter the privatization process.

IDGJ Tobacco (cigarettes/fermented tobacco) in Gjilani region. IDGJ Tobacco processes and sells tobacco products to the Kosovars wholesale market. Banja e Kllokotit is in Gjilan Region and is a producer of bottled mineral water and CO2 gas water for industrial clients.

Trepca Butane Filling Station in Mitrovica offers butane storage services and could potentially serve as a butane filling station. Trepca Plastics Factory in Mitrovica can produce battery boxes and covers weighing between 25 and 1,300 grammes. IMB Warehouse is located in Mitrovica municipality and leases its premises to private companies. Trepca Hotel No.3 in Zvecan municipality. The hotel offers accommodation and restaurant services. The premises of the new company are on about 900 m2. Trepca Canteen Mitrovica is located in Mitrovica municipality. This canteen offers restaurant services. Progresi Printing in Mitrovica region produces high volume, single-colour printed materials, including advertising, books, newspapers and forms.

Teuta 1 (Old Factory) is located in Istog municipality. The main products of the enterprise are woolen carpets and woolen blankets. Ringov Brick Factory is located in Peja municipality. Ringov produces solid bricks in a ring kiln, which is supplied by a clay quarry on premises. Trepca Industrial Batteries (Peja). FBI Trepca specializes in the production of different types of industrial size batteries. Both stationary models and models for vehicles are produced. Hotel Korzo is attractively located in the center of Peja town and its prime location offers very good prospects for hotel and restaurant operations.

Kri-kos (glass processing) is located in Prishtina municipality. Kri-kos mainly caters to retail shops and individuals in Kosovo.

Lipjan Bottling Plant (formerly known as Coca-cola) is located in Lipjan municipality. It has a capacity for soft drinks and mineral water bottling, wholesale and distribution of beverages.

Produkt Bread Factory Produkt No.1, in Peja is the only bread production plant in Peja region. Produkt Bread Factory Warehouse no.1 is located in Peja region. It is a two-storey warehouse with a total surface of 2,145 m2. The warehouse is in good condition. Produkt Bread Factory Warehouse no.2 is located in Peja region. It is a one and half storey warehouse with total surface of 1,000 m2. Produkt Bread Factory Land plot no.1 is located in Klina municipality, Peja region. It serves as a collection point for the wheat produced by local farmers. Produkt Bread Factory Land plot no.2 is located in Istog municipality, Peja region. It serves as a collection point for the wheat produced by local farmers.

18 Nentori (Plastics) is located in Rahovec municipality and is a plastic processor, specializing in the production of plastic film and plastic bags for industrial and domestic users. The enterprise produces a wide range of plastic component, containers and furniture. 18 Nentori A Xerxe (Rahovec) used to manufacture battery parts. The injection moulding equipment is capable of operating with other (non battery) type moulds. 18 Nentori B Xerxe (Rahovec) is primarily a warehouse. This 10,000m² factory unit is suitable for conversion to a number of commercial uses. In addition there is a large area of land to the rear of the property that may be further developed for commercial or private purposes. 18 Nentori C Hoqa e Madhe, (Rahovec) is used to manufacture plastic bottles using blow-moulding technology. This factory unit ceased operations in 1999. As a vacant factory unit, this facility is suitable for conversion to a number of commercial uses.

'Kosova Airline' contract signed yesterday (all dailies)
All dailies reported signing of contract for the Kosovo airline.

The contract that was supposed to be signed in June between the Hamburg International, UNMIK Pillar IV and the Ministry of Transport and Communication was signed on Tuesday. The parties negotiated until the last minute. According to Koha Ditore's reliable sources, a few articles were changed in contract at the last minute.

Minister of Transport and Communications Zef Morina, UNMIK Pillar IV chief Nikolaus Lambsdorff and a representative of Hamburg International, Norbert Grella, signed contract.

'This is a big day for Kosovo. The creation of an airline company will bring in more revenues for the Kosovo budget,' Morina said and it was he who also announced the development in aviation in Kosovo.

'This contract offers Hamburg International the right to operate as Kosovo's air carrier for the next three years. We hope to have an open and competitive air market,' Lambsdorff was quoted as saying. He did not answer questions from the media.

Grella was reportedly satisfied with this event. Koha Ditore concluded that the airline company is due to begin its operation on 25 October.

Will EFC remove customs duties on wheat? (Koha Ditore)
Koha Ditore carried a report considering whether the Economic and Fiscal Council will remove customs duties on wheat, or face social unrest in Kosovo.

Increase in the price of bread from 25 cents to 40-50 cents, as the bakeries have announced, could worsen living conditions for the half Kosovo's population that lives in circumstances of extreme poverty.

This analysis is made by the Ministry of Finance and Economy, Kosovo Chamber of Commerce and independent analysts. In order to avoid increase in bread prices, the EFC would have to remove customs duties on wheat. 'According to the analysis made by Mr. Sadriu, who demanded removal of customs duties on wheat, Kosovo's budget will lose only €300,000,' said an MFE spokesperson Muharrem Shahini. According to the ministry's figures, a major part of the wheat is imported from Serbia. 'During 2002, 92% of the wheat was imported from Serbia, so we paid €4,000,000 last year, while this year we should pay €5,600,000,' he said.

'Increase in the price of bread will harm more than 50% of population that lives in the poverty. We demanded from the EFC removal of customs duties from the wheat and the international officials have promised to do so,' said Safet Merovci, former adviser to Prime Minister Bajram Rexhepi.

The same opinion was expressed by the chairman of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce, Ismail Kastrati. 'It is logical that it would impact negatively. Social unrest will increase; therefore the Chamber of Commerce made a demand in writing to the government and the EFC to remove customs duties on wheat,' he said.

Koha Ditore also reported that World Bank concluded in 2001 that 49% of Kosovo's residents live in relative poverty, while 11% live in extreme poverty.

Bernard Garancher spent three years in postwar Kosovo and this was not the only reason why many people in Prishtina considered him to be a fellow citizen. As the head of the French diplomatic office, Garancher had imposed himself through the non-imposition of an experienced diplomat with what a friend of mine called 'diplomacy with a human face'. He refused to walk around with bodyguards and limousines and you could see him riding his bicycle through the chaotic postwar traffic. He was an expert on Middle East and the Balkans. He had been in Baghdad, Ankara, Thessaloniki, and he was fluent in several languages. Furthermore, he was a passionate student of the cultures of these countries. This was also the reason why he chose the media and in a very human and unconventional manner told the thief to return to him the stolen tape with ancient Turkish and Balkans music, which he adored. 'My house is unprotected,' he had told a journalist, who had voiced his surprise that such a high-profile diplomat from one of the most powerful European countries had chosen such a modest way of life.

As such, he created many friends and gained much respect among Kosovars. He had already fulfilled his mission and had to leave for a new post before September. But then he suddenly left at the end of summer with courtesy visits with officials but without saying goodbye to his friends. Everyone who knew him was surprised with this behavior. And later it was discovered that even though he had won one of the highest ranks of the Quay d'Orsay, Garancher was unemployed, or better said, without a post. And maybe this was the way he decided to voice his surprise and dissatisfaction. Maybe he is going to return later and say goodbye to his numerous Kosovar friends. And without wanting to get involved in the manner in which diplomats are (not) promoted in this (or any other) European country, I, as a Kosovar, can at least outline a moment that has to be marked. He is one of the two French Bernards who has left a very positive impression among Kosovars, by proving that human-faced diplomats can help overcome negative stereotypes for a state or a certain policy. It was first Kouchner who won the hearts of Kosovars with his Mediterranean temperament and his commitment that was characterized by uncontrolled emotions, something that Kosovars never again saw in a SRSG.

And it was his fellow countryman, Garancher, who with an opposite temperament, with non-imposition, modesty and culture, managed to gain not only the respect of his Quint colleagues in Prishtina, but Kosovars, too. And both Bernards seem to have remained unemployed after they had done a very good job in Kosovo. However, to some bureaucrats in Paris and another western center this is only part of the game. For Kosovars, this is a good memory. And maybe this is a lesson for both sides, that friendly relations are not created just by those who apply politics, but also those who implement politics and bring a human face to their work. I guess this is a lesson for many diplomats and administrators in Kosovo.

Belgrade Media

The most powerful services request from Serbia secret document on Albanian terrorism (Nedeljni Telegraf)
The Serbian Council for state security has adopted at its last session one of the key documents for fighting the evil that has been attacking the Balkans - Albanian terrorism and organized crime in Kosovo and Metohija!

The analysis, with many new, even unknown to the expert public details, is the result of the several-year work of the Security Information Agency (BIA) and the Military Security. The death pyramid in Kosovo and Metohija has been worked out on almost 200 pages, including 150 people in its foundation.

As NT learns, among them are all KLA leaders, the newly formed terrorist organizations ANA, as well as the leaders of the criminal clans and family fis of Albanians, i.e. their mafia in the world, but also people for contact with pan-Islamists. Thus, everybody who is trading with drugs, arms, people, but also kill and go to war for great Albania, first of all - for them.

The Clan Codex
'The White Book' on Albanian terrorism is being translated into the main world languages and will be immediately sent to all relevant institutions throughout the planet. Secret services in many countries, especially in the leading - CIA and so forth - are already now showing special interest. Priority will be for them to receive as soon as possible this document that shows and proves that not only Serbia, but the West as well, are threatened with the criminal operations of the mafia from Kosovo. It is not a secret anymore that Albanian terrorism in Kosovo and Metohija, as well as the one in the southern Serbian municipalities, is most directly linked with various forms of organized crime. Its main actors aim at legalizing the acquired fortune, with simultaneous effort making to expand the market and reinforce political power by creating a great Albania. Initiation of violence enables them to realize their goal more efficiently.

The study of our security services is dealing in detail with the history of the creation of the KLA and its growing out into organized criminal Albanians groups, wherever they operate. They are strictly respecting the principle of territorial division in Kosovo and Metohija, along with the respect of interest spheres and zones of influence of certain families, i.e. fises. Everything functions according to the usual right of Leka Dukadini, i.e. the clan codex of honor. Treason and violated agreement are punished in blood.

Poles throughout Europe

Following the official disbanding of the KLA in October 1999, the activities of 40 Albanian armed groups were registered in Kosovo and Metohija. They had up to 300 members. All of them were members of the KLA and various criminal clans. They have been formed at the order of Hashim Tachi, Ramush Haradinaj, Agim Ceku and Rustem Mustafa, called Remi. Their task was: the intimidation of the Serb population and ethnic cleansing, eliminating potential witnesses for eventual Hague indictments and elimination of political opponents. ANA emerged as a 'roof organization' of all Albanian terrorist, separatist and criminal groups in the region. KLA members have entered it without any special procedure, just with the change of emblems. ANA is organized according to the territorial principle, into divisions with special headquarters. The 'Adem Jasari' division, with headquarters in Gnjilane, is in charge of Kosovo and Metohija and southern Serbia, the region they call 'Dardanija.' The 'Skenderbeg' division, with headquarters in Debar and Tetovo, operates in western Macedonia, i.e. 'Ilirida.' The 'Malesia' division is placed in the region of Montenegro, with headquarters in Ulcinj and Skadar. The 'Camrija' division is implementing its activities in northern Greece.

ANA Commander is general Vigan Gradica, while the Head of the general headquarters in Ekrem Aslani. KLA commanders, having the main say in the military structure in ANA, are hiding behind the pseudonyms Ilir Vardari, Korab Hoja and Valon Flamuri. Retired officers of the Albanian army are also in its headquarters. The operative composition of ANA in Kosovo and Metohija and southern Serbia counts around 650 terrorists, the majority of whom are located in the region of Kosovska Kamenica and Gnjilane. The main training camps are also located there.

The poles of this terrorist organization are scattered throughout Europe. The task of its branches is to collect money for financing terrorist activities. The central ANF fund is located in Zurich. All of the transactions are on relation Tirana-Debar-Pristina.

ANA is purchasing arms and equipment for its needs through the KPC and its phantom firms throughout Europe. The main coordinator of this business, until his arrest, was Daut Haradinaj, the brother of Ramush Haradinaj.

Three Interest Zones
Most of the criminal activities in Kosovo and Metohija are unfolding inside the family clans, who are enabled to control certain territories. They are holding firm ties with the criminal groups in other European countries, especially with those in Turkey, Albania and Bulgaria.

Terrorists and criminals have divided the territory of Kosovo and Metohija in three interest zones: Drenica, Lab and Dukadini. At least one of the KLA leaders controls each of them. The group headed by Hashim Tachi controls the region of Drenica. They deal with illegal trade of arms, stolen cars, people, and accise goods, first of all cigarettes and gas. The Tachi family is linked with the Albanian, Macedonian, Bulgarian and Czech Mafia.

Ramush Haradinaj heads the Metohija group. They do the same business as Tachi's clan, while their main directions are Albania and Montenegro.
The Lab region is the 'preserve' of Rustem Mustafa, although he is in prison at the moment. Along with the mentioned smuggling business deals, this group is especially smuggling drugs and directly cooperates with the Haradinaj family.

The triple Tachi, Haradinaj and Mustafa are doing business through family fises - criminal groups - that have been permitted to deal with certain businesses. For example, the Luka family and its first man Ekrem Luka, as one of the largest Albanian criminals, is smuggling arms, drugs, cars and accise goods only in the region of Metohija. They accepted the auspices of Tachi and Haradinaj and they pay them directly part of the earnings.

The Selimi family, together with the Luka family, is doing the same business in Metohija. Their specialty is illegal tax collecting from Albanians and intimidation of the activists of Rugova's DSK. They are linked with Hashim Tachi.

The Kelmendi family is working for Ramush Haradinaj in the region of Pec. They are smuggling drugs and oil, deal with people trafficking and money-laundering. Their neighbors, fis Elshani, smuggle arms and oil, control Vitomirica and are linked with Ekrem Luka.

Fis Kitaj is the leading criminal group that controls the region between Klina and Istok. Their specialties are stolen cars and trade with explosives.

The criminal clan Suma acts in the region of Kacanik. They are dealing with all the businesses towards Macedonia, and pay racqueteering to Remi. The Sulja clan is doing the same business, but their specialty is to smuggle in arms and ammunition from Macedonia to Kosovo.

Accounts to KLA leaders
The Agushi family members operate in the region of Klina. They extort money from Albanians and force them to buy Serb properties. The Geci clan, one of the strongest, is active in the region of Kosovska Mitrovica, Srbica and Pristina. They deal with many dirty businesses, but the one with gas is most profitable.

Fis Babalija controls Djakovica. In cooperation with Haradinaj, they smuggle gas and drugs from Albania.

The mentioned ten, and exactly ten more families - fises that are 'ruling' all of Kosovo and Metohija, give their criminal money to former KLA leaders, presently prominent politicians in Kosovo and Metohija, some of them also paid by the international community.

Five million dollars from drugs annually on the hands of Tachi.

The Albanian Mafia in America holds under control as much as 40% of the heroin market, while this percentage is double in Europe - as much as 80%. It takes in up to 6 tons of heroin in Europe each month, while the annual income from this business amounts to two billion dollars.

For terrorist activities in Kosovo and Metohija, the Albanian mafia sets aside annually 200 million dollars, of which at least 25 million is given to KPC, and Hashi takes five million dollars for himself.

Main Stories 17 September 2003

· EU, US and Contact Group mediators in meeting chaired by SRSG (Koha)
· SRSG Holkeri to meet Italian Foreign Minister (Koha Ditore)
· Holkeri to hold separate meetings with Kosovar leaders on Friday (Koha)
· Talks between Prishtina and Belgrade to start by mid-October? (Zëri)
· Annan: UNMIK has a lot of unfinished duties (Zëri)
· Kosovo Assembly to debate on dialogue with Belgrade this Thursday (Koha)
· Nebojsa Covic appointed head of Serbian delegation for talks (Zëri)
· EU isn't surprised with Covic's appointment (Zëri)
· Rexhepi: It's too early to talk about Kosovar delegation for talks (Zëri)
· Nesho: Albania encourages dialogue between Prishtina and Belgrade (Koha)
· Shala: Slowly and clumsily (Zëri)
· Kosova Airline contract signed yesterday (all dailies)
· Hysa: The departure of the diplomat with the bicycle (Koha Ditore)
· Building of church in northern Mitrovica has political background (Zëri)
· Lajçi: Serbs are not showing willingness for integration (Epoka e Re)
· New war would divide Macedonia (Epoka e Re)

Kosovo Media Highlights

EU, US and Contact Group mediators in meeting chaired by SRSG (Koha Ditore)
Koha Ditore carries details from the international plan for upcoming talks between Kosovar and Serbian representatives, titled Proposal for direct talks between Belgrade and Prishtina. The paper claims that the proposal was handed over only to Serbia and Montenegro. On Tuesday, Quint offices in Prishtina were aware of the plan. On the other hand, Kosovar leaders had no knowledge of such a plan.

Koha Ditore added that according to the plan, the US, EU and Contact Group will be mediators in dialogue; Brussels or Vienna will be the places of the first meeting; the SRSG will chair the meetings, and the three leaders of the main political parties of Kosovo, leaders of institutions and a representative of Kosovo Serbs should be members of the Kosovar delegation in the first meeting. [more in Media Analysis]

SRSG Holkeri to meet Italian Foreign Minister (all dailies)
All dailies report that Kosovo chief administrator Harri Holkeri will be in Rome on Wednesday, where he will meet the Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini and other Italian officials.

Koha Ditore reports that the official website of the Italian Foreign Ministry informs that the main topic of discussion will be future dialogue between Prishtina and Belgrade.

Holkeri to hold separate meetings with Kosovar leaders on Friday (Koha Ditore)
Citing sources at UNMIK, Koha Ditore and Zëri report that UNMIK chief Harri Holkeri is to hold separate meetings with Kosovar leaders on Friday.

'The SRSG will meet the political leaders and listen to their opinions on the issue of dialogue with Belgrade,' added the source.

Talks between Prishtina and Belgrade to start by mid-October? (Zëri)
Citing reliable international sources, Zëri reports that talks between Kosovar and Serbian representatives on practical issues are expected to commence by mid-October. However, the same sources added that the exact date of talks would be known by the end of September.

Zëri also added that in the meantime, in next week's meeting in New York, the Contact Group is expected to support the ideas and proposals of UNMIK chief Harri Holkeri.

Annan: UNMIK has a lot of unfinished duties (Zëri)
Zëri quotes UN Secretary General Kofi Annan as saying that UNMIK has a lot of unfinished duties, especially with the IDP returns, and added that the solution of many problems depended on the agreement between Prishtina and Belgrade on practical issues.

Kosovo Assembly to debate on dialogue with Belgrade this Thursday (Koha)
Koha Ditore reports that in the upcoming session on Thursday, the Kosovo Assembly will discuss the issue of dialogue with Belgrade and the overall security situation in Kosovo.

Assembly officials told Koha Ditore that Prime Minister Bajram Rexhepi would attend the session, while President Ibrahim Rugova is expected to attend some other sessions.

Nebojsa Covic appointed head of Serbian delegation for talks (Zëri)
Citing information broadcast by Belgrade-based Vecernje Novosti, Zëri reports that the Serbian Government has appointed Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Nebojsa Covic as head of the Serbian delegation for upcoming talks with Kosovar representatives.

'His appointment during the government meeting in Belgrade wasn't easy at all. In fact, it could be said that several high-ranking officials of the European Union, especially Javier Solana, were not interested in Covic…' reported Vecernje Novosti.

EU isn't surprised with Covic's appointment (Zëri)
Zëri claims that for quite sometime now western officials have been saying that if it weren't for Kosovo, Nebojsa Covic would have been out of work by now.

Zëri also claims that EU officials were not surprised with Covic's appointment as head of the Serbian delegation for talks. 'It is true that we haven't preferred Covic for this post, but his appointment was expected,' EU officials told the paper.

Rexhepi: It's too early to talk about Kosovar delegation for talks (Zëri)
After meeting with the new head of the French Office in Prishtina, Prime Minister Bajram Rexhepi said that one couldn't expect successful talks with Belgrade without previous institutional consensus.

PM Rexhepi also said that it was still too early to talk about the composition of the Kosovar delegation for 'eventual' talks with Belgrade.

Nesho: Albania encourages dialogue between Prishtina and Belgrade (Koha)
Koha Ditore quotes the Albanian Ambassador to the United Nations Agim Nesho as saying, 'Albania has encouraged Kosovar and Belgrade leaders to make concrete steps toward commencing dialogue on technical issues.' [more in Media Analysis]

Shala: Slowly and clumsily (Zëri)
Zëri editor Blerim Shala claims that 'slowly and clumsily' would be the best description of Kosovar officials' reactions vis-à-vis the latest developments surrounding dialogue with Belgrade. 'It seems that they don't even have accurate information on the ongoing preparations,' added Shala. [full translation in Media Analysis]

Kosova Airline contract signed yesterday (all dailies)
All dailies report that representatives of Hamburg International, UNMIK Pillar IV and the Ministry of Transport and Communications signed the contract for the Kosovo airline yesterday evening.

Koha Ditore claims that the parties had thorough discussions on the details of the contract and that several articles were changed at the last moment. [more in Media Analysis]

Hysa: The departure of the diplomat with the bicycle (Koha Ditore)
In an opinion piece for Koha Ditore, Ylber Hysa, director of the Kosovo Action for Civic Initiatives (KACI), writes that Bernard Garancher [former head of the French Office in Prishtina] had created many friends and gained a lot of respect among Kosovars. 'He had already fulfilled his mission and had to leave to a new post before September. But then he suddenly left at the end of summer with courtesy visits with officials but without saying goodbye to his friends,' added Hysa.

Building of church in northern Mitrovica has political background (Zëri)
Zëri reports that Faruk Spahija, chairman of the Mitrovica Municipal Assembly, has issued a media communiqué harshly condemning the illegal and provocative act of laying the foundations of a Serbian Orthodox Church in northern Mitrovica on 14 September.

Spahija also claimed that the UNMIK Police escort for Serb priests to participate in the ceremony was a wrong act, 'because it encourages Serb extremists to ignore the applicable laws and the efforts of local and international entities to integrate the town'.

Lajçi: Serbs are not showing willingness for integration (Epoka e Re)
Epoka e Re reports that UNMIK Pillar II chief, DSRSG Francesco Bastagli, and his associates visited Peja/Pec municipality and met with Mayor Ali Lajçi.

'One of the issues that we would suggest today is the integration of minorities and the allocation of funds for their needs,' Bastagli told Lajçi.

Lajçi, on the other hand, was quoted as saying, 'Peja/Pec municipality has marked important developments in reconstruction and in building democratic institutions. We have supported the process of privatization and we saw it as the only opportunity for the rapid economic development of our municipality. The integration of Egyptians, Bosniaks and Roma is satisfying, but the integration of Serbs is being stalled. We are committed to creating an equal and democratic society for all citizens, but Gorazdevac Serbs are not showing willingness to recognize our institutions and to carry out their civic obligations.'

New war is going to divide Macedonia (Epoka e Re)
Epoka e Re carries an interview with Commander Enver Hoxha of the National Liberation Army (NLA) in neighboring Macedonia. 'The violation of the Ohrid Agreement and the persecutions of former soldiers in Kosovo, Macedonia and Eastern Kosovo are bringing in hundreds of former soldiers of the three former Albanian liberation armies. The new war is definitively going to divide Macedonia. This state is nonetheless standing on ice,' said Commander Hoxha.

Kosovo Press Headlines
Koha Ditore
Front page
· EU, US and Contact Group mediator in meeting chaired by SRSG
· Will EFC remove customs duties on wheat?
· Kosovo gets its air carrier
· Assembly to discuss dialogue with Belgrade on Thursday
· Holkeri discusses dialogue with EU presidency
· Albanian soldier is wounded in Iraq

Other headlines
· Sallier: Everybody should help Kosovo (2)
· Nesho: Albania encourages dialogue between Prishtina and Belgrade (2)
· PM Rexhepi awaits Assembly's blessing to create team for dialogue (3)
· Holkeri to meet political leaders separately on Friday (3)
· OSCE proposes creation of media council (4)
· Private schools still waiting for licenses (4)
· Prime problem-registration, technical control and license plates (5)
· University of Tetovo is satisfied with government's decision [Macedonia] (6)
· BDI requires that internationals fulfill their obligations [Macedonia] (6)
· Police collect evidence to clarify case reported as attempted rape (7)
· Former KLA member's house is searched (7)
· Pensioners: We want our pensions and statues (8)
· Lipjan: Changes in the PDK branch leadership (8)
· Church foundation laid in northern part of Mitrovica (8)
· Gjakovë: Progress in property tax collection (9)
· Martens: Lack of a majority (10)
· Hysa: Departure of diplomat with a bicycle (11)

Economy section
· Rexhepi: Chernobyl comes to Kosovo
· Trepça prepares to sell garbage
· Is there really radioactivity?

Zëri
Front page
· Talks between Kosovo and Serbia will begin in mid-October
· Assembly to take position tomorrow on dialogue on technical issues
· Shala: Softly and clumsily
· Holkeri's dinner with Kosovar leaders on Friday
· EU is not surprised by Covic's appointment as head of Serbian delegation
· Ministry of Defense denies news of three Albanian soldiers injured
· Kosovo prepares magnificent visit for Clinton

Other headlines
· Kosova Airlines company will begin operations in October (2)
· Covic is appointed head of Serbian delegation (2)
· Annan: UNMIK still has unfinished tasks (2)
· PM Rexhepi: It is early to talk about Kosovar delegation (3)
· Bruns: EU will assist implementation of Ohrid Agreement (4)
· Beadini: Tetovo U. Dean is optimistic after legalization of university (4)
· Macedonian government cancels decision to open Albanian classes (4)
· Macedonian opposition against University of Tetovo (4)
· Majko/ Mini: Kosovo division is unacceptable (4)
· Independent body to investigate incident at Dubrava is established (5)
· Holkeri meets Italian Foreign Minister Frattini (5)
· Government allocates €20,000,000 to import electricity (5)
· Ukrainian investigators investigate smuggling (5)
· Çeku: We will do everything to be part of Europe (6)
· KMLDNJ visits prison in Lipjan (6)
· One year later: Kosovo will use Yugoslav and Monaco Telecom codes (7)
· Gjorgjevic: Kosovo testimonial (8)
· Hauben: Statues issue belongs to municipality (9)
· Building of church has political motivation (9)
· Skenderaj: No weapons are handed in (9)

Bota Sot
Front page
· SRSG visits Rome
· Assembly to discuss situation in Kosovo
· Resolution of Kosovo's final status will be in context of Europe
· Clinton honors Prishtina University and all of Kosovo
· Cancellation of decision for classes in Albanian [Macedonia]
· International community should halt religious offensive against Albanians
· Why US opposes ICC
· Germany returns to its traditional ally, the US
· Contract signed, delay wasn't mentioned [Airline company]

Other headlines
· Church foundations is a provocative act (2)
· Reserve NATO forces return to Germany (2)
· Assembly discusses security on Thursday (3)
· Dynamic Response exercise is at an end (4)
· Rugova rewarded Ibrahim Kodra (5)
· Kosovo government expects France to invest in food industry (5)
· Ajeti: Eqrem Kryeziu and slanders (6)
· Perparim Hoxha threatens with murder (6)
· Ferizi: No dialogue with Serbs about status (7)
· Anna Lindh showed sympathy for Kosovo (7)
· Sadrija: Certification of Mitrovica municipality is good thing (8)
· Baleta: Commercialization of spiritual values (9)
· Meetings with internationals about development in Macedonia (10)
· Lukaj: All the strikes were only to meet with PM Rexhepi (13)

Kosova Sot
Front page
· Covic will face Kosovar minister
· PM Rexhepi submits report to Assembly
· Serwer: UNMIK role is problematic
· Whoever hands weapons win thousands of dollars
· Clayson, Werren and Xhemajli to investigate Dubrava incident
· Holkeri visits Rome
· Signatures on contract [airline company]
· Editorial: Platform

Other headlines
· Annan: Dialogue will resolve problems (2)
· Holkeri is rushing to dialogue (2)
· France promises economic assistance (2)
· Skepticism kills dialogue before it even gets started (3)
· Nesho: To halt destabilization (3)
· Bondsteel and Ramistain will be there for a long time (4)
· KFOR death is mysterious (4)
· Will pensioners feel ignored? (6)
· IOM issue report about trafficking (6)
· Agricultural land will be privatized in autumn (7)
· Mysterious relations between KTA, PTK and Monaco Telecom (7)
· Million of euros are planned for Kosovo budget (8)
· Pensions fund: Overall collected revenues are €23,000,000 (8)
· Where are promises for teachers? (9)
· Law for disabled persons (9)
· Garbage outside of containers, citizens irresponsibility (10)

Epoka e Re
Front page
· University expects Bill Clinton
· Krasniqi: Difficult situation for former fighter after the war
· Selimi: Serbian policy of an Albanian politician
· Kosovo institutions could do more to protect Limaj
· Covic is appointed head of Serbian delegation
· Milazim Krasniqi: Another point of view
· Rubin: True lies
· Pajaziti: No results from technical dialogue, without resolving final status
· Pensioner criticize leaders for doing nothing

Other headlines
· New war will separate Macedonia (2)
· Holkeri visits Rome and meet with Frattini and Antonione (3)
· PM Rexhepi will report to Assembly (3)
· Annan: Resolution of problems depends on Prishtina and Belgrade (3)
· Police members in training on how to behave with press (4)
· Kosovo's issue is opened through Macedonia (4)
· Lajçi: Serbs show no willingness for integration (4)
· Sallier assures PM Rexhepi of French assistance (4)
· At least Kosovo gets an airline company (7)
· Ranko Filipovic in prison for a month (9)
· UNMIK appoints three judges to investigate Dubrava incident (9)

Belgrade Media Highlights

· Grunnet's statement (Politika/Tanjug)
· Serbian government staff proposed Covic to head Serbian team (Balkan)
· Albanian killed in shooting (Blic/Beta)
· Church looted (Blic)
· Daniel Serwer about Belgrade-Pristina dialogue (Vecernje Novosti)
· Serb participation a guarantee (Glas/Srna)
· Rugova on talks (Danas/Beta)
· PDK request that negotiations be conducted by US and EU (Danas/Beta)
· KPC drills, KFOR supervises (Politika)
· On privatization of Kosovo companies (Vecernje Novosti)

Grunnet's statement (Politika/Tanjug)
Special Representative of the Council of Europe for Serbia and Montenegro Jorgen Grunnet has stated that the EU was very much interested in convincing Pristina and Belgrade to commence their talks and that UNSCR 1244 should be a basis for all participants in the talks. Grunnet has emphasized that his task in Belgrade is to assist Serbia and Montenegro in preparations for the talks, and also in preparation and transformation of a set of laws and institutional transformation in line with conventions that the state union is obliged to built into its legislation.

Serbian government staff proposed Covic to head Serbian team (Balkan)
The Serbian government staff has proposed Nebojsa Covic to head the Serbian delegation in the announced Belgrade-Pristina talks, Balkan learns. There has been no public election and voting at the staff meeting, and one cannot speak about a unilateral decision by its members. There was no rising of hands, and it was more of a silent acceptance of the proposal. The staff meeting was constructive, we discussed negotiations, our strategy, but it was not specified and the working our of it is yet to come…At one point Goran Svilanovic was mentioned, but I think that the majority in the government had taken the stand that he, as the foreign minister, has other obligations, while the upcoming talks are about Serbia, says our collocutor.

Albanian killed in shooting (Blic/Beta)
One Kosovo Albanian has been killed, and five wounded in the mutual fighting in Urosevac, it was announced in Pristina. UNMIK spokesman Andrea Angelli has confirmed that one Kosovo Albanian was killed, while two were wounded and transferred to Pristina for treatment. Only in the course of last month, firearms in Kosovo killed seven people.

Church looted (Blic)
Unidentified persons looted the St. Petka Church in Laplje Selo near Pristina. The main door was broken, and around 1,100 dinars from the icon taken. Local parish Milorad Cvetkovic has reported this to the KPS that performed an inquiry and investigation is underway. The St. Petka Church is in the center of Laplje Selo, some hundred meters from the Pristina-Skopje highway.

Daniel Serwer about Belgrade-Pristina dialogue (Vecernje Novosti)
What are your expectations from the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue?

"I wouldn't expect a lot from the beginning efforts. Time is needed for the once sides in war to find the real tone and material for a dialogue. There are both in Pristina and Belgrade local political forces that will rather use the talks for their own purposes than to search for the best solution for their citizens. Success will demand for both sides to see some benefit from these talks."

Do you see Kosovo's independence as a realistic possibility for the final status of the province?

"Kosovo's independence must be on the table as an option in any discussion on the final status, because otherwise why would Albanians participate and this is logical just as it is logical that the closest option to Belgrade - Serbia's sovereignty over Kosovo - will be the subject of talks on the Kosovo solution. This is why negotiations are necessary. The real solution is the one on which both Pristina and Belgrade can agree and for which they request a "blessing" by the SC. Unilateral actions do not help," the director of the Balkan Initiative of the American Institute for Peace Daniel Serwer told Vecernje Novosti.

Serb participation a guarantee (Glas/Srna)
Kosovo Assembly Presidency member Oliver Ivanovic has welcomed the announced beginning of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and the fact that Serb representatives will also be in the delegation of the Kosovo institutions. "Only this way and with the participation of Serb representatives will agreements between Pristina and Belgrade be accepted by everyone and be implemented quite certainly," said Ivanovic.

Rugova on talks (Danas/Beta)
Kosovo President Ibrahim Rugova discussed with Albanian political leaders from southern Serbia the situation in the municipalities of Bujanovac, Presevo and Medvedja. The delegation of Albanians from southern Serbia was made up of the mayors of Presevo and Bujanovac, Riza Halimi and Nagip Arifi respectively, as well as the vice-president of the executive board of the municipal assembly of Medvedja Ismail Hajdini.

PDK request that negotiations be conducted by US and EU (Danas/Beta)
PDK's Main Board led by Hashim Tachi has requested that the US and EU conduct the Pristina-Belgrade talks. PDK requests that the Kosovo Assembly does not accept a single decision or proceedings by any SaM and Serbian institution that refers to Kosovo. This party requests that the Kosovo Assembly addresses the UNSC and the EU with the request to pronounce invalid the preamble of the SaM Constitution, the Constitutional declaration of the Serbian Parliament, and the SaM Declaration on Kosovo and Metohija.

KPC drills, KFOR supervises (Politika)
KPC members have been performing drills on the territory of the Zvecan municipality, and the villages of Malo and Veliko Rudare. What is especially concerning Serbs is the fact that all this is being done under the direct supervision of the "blue helmets." KFOR Information service confirmed that "this is a drill of the KPC, and KFOR is only observing." According to Milan Ivanovic, KPC drills are aimed at introducing additional disturbance among the Serbs in the province. "This is yet another form of pressure and frightening, and according to some announcements, KPC members will soon be placed in the barracks in southern Mitrovica where the international army is presently located," said Milan Ivanovic.

On privatization of Kosovo companies (Vecernje Novosti)
Several KP members have called our correspondence office in Mitrovica regarding the news that Novosti published - that the Kosovo Trust Agency is putting up for tender another 134 socially owned companies, and announced "this will not pass easily." "We can only react immediately with the International Trade Court and prevent the looting of our property. We have all the proof that some 450 socially owned and 57 public companies are the property of the Serbian state that financed with its stocks, together with the employees working in them, and purchased all these companies," KP member Oliver Ivanovic told Novosti. Lawyer Vladimir Bozovic stated: "If UNMIK doesn't respect realistic economic laws, we will have to address the EU, World Bank and other international organizations towards protecting the right to private property." Serbian Finance Minister Bozidar Djelic has recently sent a report to the new UNMIK Head Harri Holkeri from which one can see how much Serbia owns over Kosovo, although it is a known fact that it doesn't collect taxes on this part of territory.